Coring through Ohia Logs

[all bent]

As I mentioned in an old thread found as I scoured google for some sort of guidance, my company has been contracted to install signs and sign posts for the State and the plans call for drilling a 3" hole, 2 feet deep into ohia logs. We have been using 3" forstner bits on drill presses as well as a 1/2" hole hawg with very little progress to show for our time. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Carey]

A friend in Rancheros used Jeff Anderson in Ocean View:
http://www.ohiapolesetc.com/

[EightFingers]

I'd do this on a lathe. Drilling into endgrain is the pits! Mount your forstner in the tailstock (using a "jacobs" type chuck) and extensions as needed. Attach the other end of the log to a faceplate and mount on the headstock. Those extension would need to be pretty robust to keep them from wandering off-center, tho'. I've used this method successfully to about 24" with 2" diameter forstner bits.
This might be a good question to pose to the Hawaii woodworkers' guild or even the woodturners' club.

[DanielP]

I would try using twist drill bits, graduating up several times. Keep 'em razor sharp and back them out often to clean the flutes.